According to Euroconsult in their 2022 report, approximately 9,900 aircraft were actively providing IFC services through more than 120 commercial airlines at the end of 2021. This number is expected to surpass 20,900 aircraft by YE 2031, representing 58% IFC penetration. This spectacular growth will be influenced by the new era of satellite communication, additional capacity from more efficient satellites, the different orbits available for aviation use, technological advancements and decreased satellite capacity prices.

With this increasing demand and passengers’ expectations for high performance and uninterrupted connectivity regardless of the duration and location of their flight, IFC providers are re-evaluating their connectivity strategies and future-proofing their networks with new technologies to provide consistently high throughput levels to each passenger at a reasonable price. More specifically, IFC Service Providers require transparent switchover between beams, satellites and gateways – while maintaining user application sessions – ensuring seamless coverage so that passengers experience the highest quality, high-speed connectivity throughout their entire journey.

As a long-time leading provider of satellite equipment for the aero industry, Gilat is well-equipped to offer the most comprehensive broadband solution for In-Flight Connectivity Service Providers (IFC SPs). The airborne components offer market-leading performance, reliability and user experience and are currently deployed on Boeing, Airbus and other aircraft.

Gilat has successfully deployed a broad range of IFC solutions worldwide, which include:

Modems & IFC Networks – SkyEdge IV is a scalable, next-generation software-centric SATCOM ground system optimized for multi-orbit constellations and very high throughput satellites (VHTS).  SkyEdge IV Taurus is an ultra-high-performance modem for a comprehensive broadband IFC offering either as a Modman or a card to provide Wi-Fi internet and IPTV for passengers on commercial airlines, regional aircraft and business jets. SkyEdge IV Taurus is also backward compatible with SkyEdge II-c.

Transceivers (KRFU) – Gilat is expert in the design, verification, qualification and manufacture of both Ka and Ku airborne Transceivers (KRFUs). Gilat’s Wavestream AeroStream product line of transceivers offers unmatched efficiency and performance for the challenging airborne environment.

Antennas – Gilat has developed a unique and most advanced Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA.) Gilat’s technology has already been tested and deployed over GEO, MEO, and LEO in Ku and Ka bands, including dual operations in GEO/LEO and seamless switchover between beams and satellites. During testing, Gilat’s high throughput and small form factor ESA operated continuously over GEO then instantaneously switched connectivity to operate on LEO when it came into view, and back to GEO after operating on LEO.

Top reasons for choosing Gilat’s In-Fight Connectivity solution:

• World leader in diverse SATCOM solutions and technologies

• Globally proven advanced SATCOM solutions for the aero industry

• Most comprehensive broadband solution for In-Flight Connectivity Service Providers (IFC SPs)

• Optimized for Ku and Ka bands, wide-beam satellites, HTS and Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), Software-Defined Satellites (SDS) and multiple orbit constellations

• Advanced Modems and IFC Networks, Transceivers (KRFUs) and ESA Antennas

• Highest reliability and superior user experience

SatCom-On-The-Move (SOTM) is the most cost-effective and at times the only feasible way to ensure reliable broadband connectivity while in motion anywhere on the planet.

Gilat offers a range of modems and solutions to address the needs of the mobility sector, providing outstanding reliability, performance and ease of deployment. Our solutions are compact, lightweight, support Ku and Ka frequencies, and operate over multi-orbit constellations and VHTS.  Along with our customers and partners, we are enabling ubiquitous connectivity for the growing number of land mobility applications that require VSAT connectivity, whether it’s on a train, on a tractor, on a truck, in a van or in a car. 

Gilat’s range of antennas enable real-time broadband satellite communications for video, voice and data.

For maximum flexibility, Gilat’s Land Connectivity solutions can be deployed in 3 ways:

• Integrated modem, including seamless mechanical integration of Gilat’s GLT1000 modem.  This allows for operation in low SNR conditions.
• Gilat modem, as part of Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c mobility modem, taking advantage of its management and mobility support.  
• 3rd party modem, if it is OpenAMIP v1.17 certified.  When integrated with 3rd party modems, the antenna is supplied with an Antenna Control Unit (ACU). 

Top reasons for choosing Gilat’s Land Connectivity solution:

• Full Ku- and Ka-band support
• Support for multi-orbit constellations and VHTS
• Superb tracking, search, acquisition, reacquisition, under all conditions
• Always-on, high throughput land connectivity on cars, trains, trucks, tractors and more
• Maintain reliable and continued satellite communication link regardless of weather conditions
• Optional integrated terminal including an antenna, BUC, and modem
• OpenAMIP Protocol
• Field proven SOTM technology for over 20 years
• Ability to integrate into Gilat’s SkyEdge II-c Total NMS/Elastix-TotalNMS for hybrid fixed/mobility network

This is why VSAT-powered maritime communications, once limited to high-end segments such as container fleets, cruise ships, and freight companies, are now gaining traction with smaller vessels as well. To meet the growing demand for maritime connectivity in smaller vessels, Gilat has developed cost-effective Ku- and Ka- band satellite communications products. These high-speed, compact terminals are well-suited for smaller vessels and are powered by our high-performance VSAT hub platform.

Gilat’s maritime connectivity solution, comprised of high-speed VSAT terminals, maritime antennas, all-in-one maritime terminals and our state-of-the-art integrated hub platform, delivers continuous broadband communications for ships’ crews and passengers. Working with both HTS and wide-beam satellites, Gilat’s solution ensures transparent and automatic beam switching for seamless coverage regardless of your ship’s location.

In addition, Gilat offers spectrally efficient and powerful VSATs that can be easily integrated with existing antennas and ship infrastructure.

Top reasons for choosing Gilat’s Maritime solution:

• Ultra-high performance modems
• Affordable terminal for small vessel connectivity
• Automatic beam switching for seamless coverage
• Improved crew retention and quality of life